This project used a science-based, experimental approach to develop treatment and restoration
strategies for the emerging invasive grass, Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), on
conserved lands in southern San Diego County, CA. Phase I (2013-2015) included conceptual
models to inform experimentally-based treatment and restoration strategies; experimental
treatments (dethatching, herbicide, mechanical removal), monitoring, and seed collection,
bulking, and outplanting. Treatments continued in Phase II (2016-2017), using the most
effective management strategy (herbicide). See the Phase I and II reports for study results and
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Brachypodium control. Herbicide is the most effective
treatment for controlling Brachypodium but timing of treatment is critical and multiple
treatments may be required in a single year, depending on rainfall and temperature. Herbicide
treatment of forbs becomes increasingly important as cover of Brachypodium and other
nonnative grasses decrease. Dethatching improves treatment effectiveness and stimulates the
soil seedbank (if present). The experimental design was coordinated with SDMMP and the City
of San Diego, and results may contribute to a regional analysis of Brachypodium control across
multiple sites, habitats, and microclimates.
Project type: General Management
Investigator: Patricia Gordon-Reedy
Main implementing entity: Conservation Biology Institute
Project Page manager: Sarah McCutcheon
SDMMP lead: Annabelle Bernabe
Study lead: Patricia Gordon-Reedy
Name: Modified Habitat Assessments (The Nature Conservancy/Conservation Biology Institute)
Description: The project used a habitat assessment protocol to delineate Brachypodium-infested habitat. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) developed the protocol; TNC and CBI modified the protocol for use in the South County grasslands project. The habitat assessment protocol collects qualitative information on biotic, abiotic, and management variables to determine both ecological suitability an management feasibility for restoration purposes.
Budget year: pre FY15-1
Work plan objectives number: 2.7
County: San Diego
General: Central-central, South-central
MU: 3
Reports Available: Yes
Final Report Date: 2017-09-01
Invasive plants
Goal: The overarching goals for addressing invasive plant species in the MSPA are to: (1) Protect Conserved Lands from new or expanding invasive plant species; (2) Detect new invasive species and new invasions early on and control them before the plants have a chance to establish; (3) Address invasive species using the response appropriate for the level of invasiveness (level 1 through 5) as defined in the Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (IPSP)
regional and/or local
NFO
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
MGT-IMP-IPSP INVPLA-7
Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
From 2017-2021, remove Level 4 and 5 invasive species that are threatening MSP species as specified in the Invasive Plant Strategic Plan.
Criteria |
Deadline year |
Project reports submitted within 1 Year of Removal Efforts |
2021 |